Though the summer crowds have faded, Europe remains a prime destination for luxury travelers. With fewer lines and milder weather, it’s easier to secure sought-after restaurant reservations and enjoy the sights without the hassle of large crowds.
We've compiled a list of top locations and hotels to explore for unforgettable fall experiences in Europe.
Villa Ardore | Chianti, Tuscany
In the heart of the Chianti wine region, Villa Ardore — a newly renovated 16th-century Tuscan farmhouse with eight en suite guest rooms — offers a relaxing retreat for friends and families with children of all ages. Guests can enjoy the new "Bottega Aperta" experience, an itinerary packed with interactive, hands-on activities. These include painting your own pottery in a ceramic studio, visiting a workshop to learn the centuries-old craft of silk weaving, and mastering the intricate techniques of Florence's traditional paper marbling. The itinerary also includes visits to independent winemakers to learn the art of producing the finest Chianti Classico.
Lisbon with Martinhal
Lisbon, Portugal, comes alive in the fall with culture, music festivals and traditional events like the Lisbon Marathon and Feira do Livro (book fair). The newly opened Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, ideal for families and multigenerational groups, is in the city's modern Park of Nations neighborhood. The hotel offers family-friendly accommodations, including apartment-style units ranging from studios to one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a newly unveiled two-story, four-bedroom penthouse suite. All accommodations come with washer/dryers, kitchens, living rooms and more. Art lovers will be captivated by the hotel's living gallery, which showcases an impressive collection of works by contemporary Portuguese artists — including illustrator Kruella D'Enfer; painters Graça Paz and Pedro Batista; and installations by Lisbon's street art legend Bordalo II, known for his "trash art" creations.
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa | Venice, Italy
Looking for a private island experience in Venice? The JW Marriott has you covered. This fall, the property invites guests to hand-harvest fresh olives from its on-site olive grove or simply relax and watch the time-honored tradition unfold amid the picturesque Venetian setting. The olives are typically picked in late October or early November to produce the resort's cold-pressed "Isola delle Rose" extra-virgin olive oil. Guests can also take part in culinary activities through the property's Sapori Cooking Academy, including harvesting seasonal produce from the garden and cooking alongside chefs at the chef's table.
The Fontenay | Hamburg, Germany
Explore one of Europe's greenest cities — Hamburg, in northern Germany — now celebrated as a destination for culture, music, immersive art and culinary delights. For a true cultural experience, stay at The Fontenay, known for its iconic, sculptural design by acclaimed German architect Jan Störmer. This hotel offers the perfect urban retreat for culture and design lovers seeking a connection with nature. It features 130 luxurious rooms and suites, many with views of Lake Alster and Hamburg’s historic skyline. The Fontenay boasts two restaurants as well as a rooftop bar and terrace with panoramic views of the lake, Hamburg’s charming churches, the Elbphilharmonie and the Town Hall. Be sure to visit the hotel’s spa and wellness center, which includes an indoor/outdoor infinity pool.
Grand Universe Lucca | Tuscany
The charming city of Lucca, about an hour outside Florence, Italy, is famous for its iconic walls — built between the mid-1600s and early 1800 — which wrap for 2.6 miles around the city. The Grand Universe features 55 guest rooms and suites in the heart of the city center, providing a convenient home base for exploring the hundreds of family-run restaurants, art galleries and shops that line Lucca's cobblestone streets. The property also boasts the Legacy Restaurant and a rooftop Champagne bar, perfect for an evening aperitivo. For seasonal offerings, the hotel provides a "Bikes & Bites" experience, which includes bicycle rentals and a prepacked lunch for guests to enjoy as an impromptu picnic atop the city walls. Additionally, wine lovers can savor "The Wine of the Lucchesi Hills" wine-tasting experience in the hotel's Eterno Wine Cellar, where travelers can sample and learn about four regional wines.